CAMDEN – Frigid temperatures failed to deter a hearty crowd from taking a dip in Camden’s Harbor to kick off Camden’s Winterfest 2025.

Organized by Sundog Outdoor Leadership Initiative, the Polar Plunge has been an integral part of Winterfest for the past seven years, and a frozen harbor was no deterrent for the participants this January.

Camden Harbor Master Steve Pixley, along with members of the Camden Fire Department, chopped a path through the ice allowing passage to the deeper harbor.

It turned the plunge into a stroll as the brave hearts made their way into the deeper and deeper cold water.

Some dipped to their shoulders, lounging in the icy water like it might be a summer day while some went only to their knees and stood shivering for a moment before making their way back to shore.

Once on shore it was a search for their towels which were held up at the ready by a friend.

Participants and onlookers then made their way up to Harbor Park for outside ice carving activities, or inside the library indoor activities for children with Miss Amy.

Indoor activities included crafts and face painting, and live jazz in the library’s rotunda with, “All that Jazz.”  

Just enough time to get warm before putting those finishing touches on a pet’s costume or get in line to watch the Doggie Fashion Show.

Volunteers from First National Bank served hot food, including chili, chicken soup and grilled hot dogs, as well as cookies, cocoa, bottled water and pastries. All proceeds from food sales benefited the Camden Public Library and parks. All of the food was donated by local businesses.

Nicole Janczura, Business Development Officer at the First National Bank, has served on the Winterfest Planning Committee for two years.

Janczura said employees of the bank have volunteered to run the food concession for seven years.

“I couldn’t feel better right now about the whole event,” she said. “The sun is out, the weather is nice and it’s a very well organized team."